How technology is changing the way people apply for jobs

As technology advances, the process of applying for a job has significantly changed, with the days of handing in paper CV’s slowly becoming a thing of the past. With companies re-thinking the different ways in which they handle the job application process, we decided to take a look into how this impacts recruitment.

The value of job boards and storing data online

When looking for a new role, a quick google will lead you to countless job boards offering the opportunity to apply for a range of positions. With such a large volume of companies and recruitment agencies utilising these resources, most sites offer the option to safely store your personal data and CVs online.

And as it’s easy to upload multiple versions of your CV, you can submit the most appropriate version for each application. This means employers are not only connected to a wider pool of candidates, they’re also more likely to receive tailored applications. Nowadays, it’s becoming less acceptable to adopt a “one size fits all” approach to CVs. Instead, most employers now expect candidates to take time editing their CV so that the most appropriate skills relating to the role are highlighted.

The ease of applying for roles

With more people browsing and applying for jobs on their mobile devices, most job boards and application forms are now optimised for this platform. For example, services such as ‘LinkedIn Apply’ allow users to simply read a job description, click apply, and their CV is sent to the company. While this mass accessibility is likely to result in a larger pool of applications, there are some potential drawbacks to an increased volume of candidates.

The ease at which people can apply for positions will likely result in a large amount of unsuitable candidates applying for positions. If people don’t have to fill out lengthy application forms, they’re more likely to apply for positions that aren’t the perfect fit for them. From the candidate’s perspective, there’s nothing to be lost from applying for a job that they’re unsure about or may not have the relevant skills for. They can apply now and really make a decision about it later, resulting in a lot of wasted time for companies.

Dealing with an increase in applications

Despite technological advancements offering a great deal of benefits throughout the hiring process, this doesn’t come without drawbacks. The effect of mass application and CV spamming means that companies are forced to spend a lot of time filtering through a wealth of unsuitable applications. This requires effective communication and the means to follow up with potential candidates in order to contextualise their skills and assess whether their experience is truly relevant when thoroughly explored.

At Progressive, we use state of the art AI software to quickly and efficiently analyse CVs and applications. This sophisticated technology automatically picks out details such as key skills, job history and even whether a candidate is willing to relocate or not. Combining this intelligent software with hands-on training and excellent analytical skills, our consultants are equipped with all of the tools to find the most appropriate candidates.

The benefits of outsourcing your hiring process

Technological advancements are a big positive when it comes to finding candidates for new roles, with the reach of job adverts having the potential to be much greater than before. However, in order to manage the vast amount of candidates applying from different platforms, the necessary resources are required.

Companies such as Progressive also have access to technologies that allow the application process to be revolutionised. At Progressive we use a system called Showcaser, which allows clients to view short video clips of candidates answering a series of prepared questions. Michelle Pilcher, Product Manager at Showcaser, explains, “This innovative technology saves time for hiring managers and can also act as a personalised accompaniment to a written CV. There’s only so much information you can get from a piece of paper, and Showcaser gives businesses a better idea of who they’re dealing with when deciding who should go through to the interview stage.”

We have a wealth of highly skilled consultants at your disposal, ready to manage your entire recruitment process from beginning to end, ensuring only the best candidates are put forward for your consideration. If you’re looking to hire, contact us to find out how we can tailor our service to meet your needs.